WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth appointed Ms. D. Noelani “Noe” Kalipi from Hilo, Hawaii, as a new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony on Aug. 9, 2021, at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii.
“CASAs are a unique group,” Wormuth said during the ceremony. “They help the Army strengthen our relationship with our local communities. Telling the Army story is a critical element I need Noe to do, and I ask that she advocate across her entire community to pave the way for our recruiters to bring talented Soldiers and civilians into our workforce. We must do all we can to make the Army the employer of choice for all who can and are willing to serve and seek out the best and most diverse talent for our future Army.”
CASAs are a vital resource for the Army. They promote improved relations between the Army and the public and advise the Secretary of the Army on regional issues.
Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide vital links between the Army and the communities they serve. CASAs are typically business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.
“It’s an honor to have been selected by the Secretary of the Army to serve in the CASA position,” Kalipi said. “My commitment to strengthening relationships between military officials and civilians stems from my experiences as an Army veteran and staffer for U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, who served on the Armed Services Committee and led the Veterans’ Affairs Committee as ranking member. I hope to honor his legacy of demonstrating the strength of Aloha in building a connection to people and places. I also look forward to sharing the many learning opportunities associated with serving in the U.S. Army as a Soldier or as a civilian.”
Kalipi is one of two CASAs representing Hawaii, joining Gil Tam, CASA for Hawaii (O'ahu East). She currently serves as the chief strategy officer for Progression Energy and owns a consulting firm specializing in systems planning, food security, energy security and community empowerment.
Each CASA serves a two-year term without compensation. Terms may be extended to a total of 10 years of service. The Secretary of the Army may also recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service.
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